My Friend Ended Up in Hospital: Victim to Covid-19

19 April, 2020
Q One of my friends is in the hospital with Coronavirus. I fear for her so much.

I make dua but I am still worried. Can you advice me how to calm myself down?

Answer


In this counseling answer:

Be strong for her at the moment.

Maintain your connection with Allah for strength and ease.

Take care of yourself.

Everything in life is temporary, including covid-19



Assalam alaykum

Shokran for writing to our live session. I am sorry to hear about your friend. May Allah swt provide swift healing and complete recovery. I can imagine you are very scared for her.

Being Supportive and Asking Questions

As you did not mention her condition, or if you can talk to the doctors who are caring for her, this may be the first place to start.

If she is able to have calls, insha’Allah be supportive and positive, She will need you to be strong for her right now. By showing her strength and positivity, it will strengthen you as well.

If you can, ask her doctor what is her exact current status and possible outcomes. It is may be that she is recovering nicely and this will calm you.

Self Care

During this time try to ensure that You are taking care of yourself. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get sunshine, try to get outside to exercise or indoors if that is not possible.

Stay in touch with other friends who can provide support and positive interaction. Maintain your connection with Allah for strength and ease. Begin a stress reduction practice if you have not already initiated one.

There are many good ones online. I would highly recommend progressive body muscle relaxation, mindful breathing techniques, as well as visualization. In visualization, you will imagine positive thoughts, words, and scenerios in your mind when fearful ones come up.

By doing this on a regular basis you will be able to eventually eliminate negative thoughts and fears when they arise. It will take time and practice to achieve this but it is very successful in reducing fears and anxiety.   

All Things Are Temporary 

Please remember that all things are temporary even this pandemic it could be that in a few weeks when the weather changes the virus could weaken and go away.

Insha’ Allah, your friend is getting the care that she needs and will recover fine. Be sure to put your trust in Allah swt concerning this.

  Conclusion

 Do what you can to be supportive and positive for your friend, ask questions of her doctor if you can.

Practice self-care especially during this time of stress and uncertainty. Stay close to Allah and seek His comfort and blessings.

If things become too overwhelming please know that there are counselors who you can call and talk to if you feel that your mental health is deteriorating because of fear and anxiety.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us again if you need anything. Your friend is in my prayers and we wish you the best.

salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees are liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

Read More:

https://aboutislam.net/special-coverage/covid-19-stories-tips-fatwas-and-consequences/

https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/the-spiritual-impact-of-social-distancing-in-the-age-of-covid-19/

https://aboutislam.net/live-session/how-to-deal-with-covid-19-and-quarantine/

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.